§ Mr. KILEYasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that, although the Board of Customs have decided, after prolonged investigation, that toy musical birds are not liable to duty as musical instruments, the case W.P.S. 7,600, ex s.s. "Swale" from Paris containing four toy musical birds, is now being detained by Customs officers, on the ground that these toy birds are adorned with feathers, which come within the definition of prohibited plumage; and, if so, whether he will give instructions to the Customs staff that the plumage regulations were never intended to apply to toy articles of this description?
Mr. YOUNGIf the hon. Member will furnish information as to the date and place of arrival of the s.s. "Swale," I will have inquiries made, and will communicate with him on the subject. I should, however, observe that it will not be possible to admit any extra statutory exceptions to the Regulations referred to.